EP0292502A1

EP0292502A1 - Method and apparatus for a constant frequency clock source in phase with a variable frequency system clock.

Info

Publication number: EP0292502A1
Application number: EP87901789A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert T Silver; William A Samaras
Original assignee: Digital Equipment Corp
Current assignee: Digital Equipment Corp
Priority date: 1986-01-29
Filing date: 1987-01-29
Publication date: 1988-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2007-01-29
Also published as: AU7082287A; EP0292502B1; US4748644A; WO1987004813A1; JPH0437446B2; JPS63503412A; CA1286413C

Abstract

Un appareil à horloge produit des signaux d'horloge à système de fréquence variable pour la synchronisation du fonctionnement d'appareils de traitement des données et des signaux de synchronisation à fréquence constante, en phase avec les signaux d'horloge du système, permettant de commander le fonctionnement d'un rythmeur d'appareils associés. Les signaux d'horloge à système de fréquence variable sont produits en introduisant dans la boucle (33) verrouillée en phase un réseau (44) diviseur contrôlable. Les signaux d'entrée reçus par le réseau (44) diviseur contrôlable sont distribués comme signaux d'horloge du système. La fréquence constante est obtenue en distribuant des signaux de comptage provenant du réseau (44) diviseur contrôlable du circuit (33) à boucle verrouillée en phase à une pluralité de circuits de comparateurs (56, 59); les signaux de sortie du comparateur produisent une pluralité d'intervalles de synchronisation qui permettent d'obtenir des signaux à fréquence constante. Les intervalles de synchronisation sont déterminés par les signaux de contrôle (n-1) qui sont appliqués aux réseaux (44) diviseurs contrôlables et à une pluralité de circuits diviseurs (52, 54) associés au circuit comparateur (56, 59). Le signal de contrôle (n-1) est divisé par le circuit diviseur (52, 54) et la valeur obtenue est introduite dans le circuit comparateur (56, 59), ou la valeur est comparée à la valeur comptée fournie par le réseau diviseur contrôlable (44). Un réseau de distribution (21), utilisé pour produire une temporisation dans la distribution des signaux d'horloge du système, qui permet la synchronisation d'éléments du système de traitement des données, est placé dans la boucle à verrouillage en phase (33) afin de garantir que les signaux à fréquence constante et les signaux d'horloge du système sont en phase.A clock apparatus generates variable frequency system clock signals for synchronizing the operation of data processing apparatuses and constant frequency synchronizing signals, in phase with the system clock signals, for controlling the operation of a rhythm machine of associated devices. The variable frequency system clock signals are produced by feeding a controllable divider network (44) into the phase locked loop (33). Input signals received by the controllable divider network (44) are distributed as system clock signals. The constant frequency is obtained by distributing count signals from the controllable divider network (44) of the phase locked loop circuit (33) to a plurality of comparator circuits (56, 59); the comparator output signals produce a plurality of synchronization intervals which provide constant frequency signals. The synchronization intervals are determined by the control signals (n-1) which are applied to the controllable divider networks (44) and to a plurality of divider circuits (52, 54) associated with the comparator circuit (56, 59). The control signal (n-1) is divided by the divider circuit (52, 54) and the obtained value is fed into the comparator circuit (56, 59), or the value is compared with the counted value supplied by the divider network controllable (44). A distribution network (21), used to produce a timing in the distribution of the system clock signals, which allows the synchronization of elements of the data processing system, is placed in the phase locked loop (33). to ensure constant frequency signals and system clock signals are in phase.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A CONSTANT FREQUENCY CLOCK SOURCE IN PHASE WITH A VARIABLE FREQUENCY SYSTEM CLOCK

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the apparatus for producing the timing signals in a data processing system and, more particularly, to data processing systems that have a system clock with a variable frequency and require a constant frequency clock source to control the operation of interval timers and related apparatus. 2. Description of the Related Art

A data processing system generally has a plurality of components that must cooperate in the processing of digital signal groups. An example of such a data processing system is shown in Figure 1. In this data processing system, at least one central processing unit 10 (or 11), at least one input/output unit 13 (or 14) and a memory unit 15 are coupled by means of a system bus 19. A console unit 12 can be coupled to the central processing unit(s). The central processing unit(s) manipulates groups of logic signals representing data information according to control signals in the Form of groups of logic signals representing instructions. These instructions are typically components of software or firmware programs. The memory unit provides the principal mechanism for storage of data signal groups and program signal groups to be manipulated by the central processing unit(s). The console unit can provide for the initialization of the data processing system and, during the operation of the data processing system, can function as a terminal. The console unit is frequently used for the control of diagnostic procedures for the data processing system. The input/output unit 13 provides the interface for exchange of signal groups between the data processing system and mass memory storage units, terminal devices, communication devices, and other peripheral devices requiring interaction with the central processing unit(s).

The components of the data processing system must be coordinated in order to provide consistent performance. This coordination is typically performed by a timing or clocking mechanism. For asynchronous data processing systems, individual components of the data processing system can have associated clocking mechanisms. For asynchronous data processing systems, interface units are required to insure the integrity of the data signal groupsduring the exchange of signal groups between the individual components. For synchronous data processing systems, the entire data processing system can have a single system clock by which means the flow of data signal groups throughout the entire data processing system can be coordinated.

It can be desirable to provide a system clock that can provide signals having a variable frequency. The variable frequency signals can permit the rate of processing of the logic signal groups to be increased, as the frequency of the system clock is increased, or to be decreased, as the frequency of the system clock is decreased. This functionality can be particularly advantageous in the detection of system malfunctions because the system can be operated at a rate that can permit the detailed analysis of particular processing functions. This functionality can also be used to increase the power of the entire data processing system when a component or unit limiting the frequency of the system can be replaced with an improved component or unit that can operate at an increased frequency.

In addition to the system clock, data processing systems typically include an interval timer. The function of the interval timer is to provide timing signals that are fixed in frequency and can therefore be used to provide real time measurements for purposes such as maintaining a calendar, measuring time for project execution, supplying billing information, etc. The interval timer must be driven by a constant frequency clock source even though the system clock can have a variable frequency. Furthermore, the timing signals used by the interval clock must be maintained in phase synchronization with the signals of the system clock. It has been known in the related art to provide two reference frequency oscillators. The output signals of the first oscillator can be processed in a predetermined manner to provide the constant frequency signal source, while the output signals from the second oscillator can be processed in a controllable manner to provide the variable frequency signals. This technique suffers from the difficulty in synchronizing the two sets of signals and in insuring that the two sets of signals are in phase.

A need has therefore been felt for a clocking apparatus that can provide signals used for system clocking purposes that have a controllable frequency, while simultaneously providing constant frequency signals for the system interval timer and related apparatus that are in phase with the system clock signals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved data processing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system clocking device that has a controllable frequency.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide clock signals having a constant frequency for use with a data processing system interval timer and related apparatus.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide controllable frequency system clock signals for a data processing system while providing constant frequency signals, in phase with the system clock signals, for use with an interval timer or related apparatus. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a phase locked loop circuit, using a controllable divider circuit in the feedback path, to supply variable frequency system clock signals. It is another particular object of the present invention to utilize a plurality of comparison circuits coupled to a count signal from a controllable divider circuit to provide a series of signals defining generally constant time intervals. The aforementioned and other objects are accomplished, according to the present invention, by utilizing a reference oscillator to provide constant frequency signals driving a phase locked loop circuit. The variable frequency signals are produced by dividing the output signal of the voltage controlled oscillator in a controllable divider circuit before applying the feedback signal to the phase comparator unit of the phase locked loop unit. The input signal to the controllable divider is the signal used as the basis for the the system clock signals. The input signal to the phase comparator unit will be at the same frequency as the signal from the reference oscillator. Comparison circuits compare the count in the controllable divider circuit with calculated fractions of a stored integer, the stored integer representing the system clock frequency. The output signals, resulting when any one of these calculated fractions of the system clock frequency in the comparison circuit are equal to the count from the controllable divider circuits, provide a constant frequency signal, the frequency being a multiple of the reference frequency. This constant frequency signal can be used to control an interval timer or related apparatus. To insure that the controllable frequency signals and the constant frequency signals are in phase with the system clock signals applied to the units of the data processing system, the distribution network, standardizing the delay in the distribution of the system clock signals, is placed in the feedback portion of the phase locked loop, thereby assuring that two sets of signals are in phase.

These and other features of the present invention will be understood upon reading the following description along with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a typical data processing system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a typical data processing system illustrating the use of a system clock to synchronize the operation of the system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a device for producing variable frequency system clock signals that can control the operation of a data processing unit or system and can provide constant frequency signals.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the device for producing variable and constant frequency signals for use in a data processing system using a phase locked loop circuit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the clocking device that can provide controllable frequency signals for synchronizing the operation of the data processing unit, while providing constant frequency signals in phase with the controllable frequency system clock signals.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 1. Detailed Description of the Figures Figure 1 has been described previously in relation to the related art.

Referring next to Figure 2, a typical data processing system is illustrated with the system clock 20 specifically designated. The system clock can be physically located in any portion of the data processing unit although the usual location of the system clock is associated with one of the central processing units. The signals from the system clock are distributed to the various components of the data processing system. However, the variable length of the cables coupling the system clock can provide a delay that can result in signal processing errors. In order to insure that the operation of all of the units of the data processing system are synchronized, a signal distribution network 21 is placed in each signal path, including the path to the components of the unit in which the system clock is located, so that a constant delay is found to each unit. Because the distance that a signal travels from the system clock can be different for each unit of the data processing system, and because the interfacing circuits receiving the system clock signals can be different for each unit, each distribution network

21_(xx) must be implemented to insure that the system clock signals are synchronized in each physically separated unit (xx) of the data processing system. Referring next to Figure 3, the functional organization of the clock signal device of the present invention is shown. A reference oscillator provides a signal having a fixed frequency. The signal from the reference oscillator 31 is applied to controllable frequency unit 33. Controllable frequency unit 33 also receives control signals that are used to determine the frequency of the output signals of controllable frequency unit 33. The output signals from the controllable frequency unit

33 are applied to the distribution networks 21_(xx) and to the cons tant f requency clock source 32 . The constant frequency clock source 32 applies the signals necessary to drive the interval timer circuit of the data processing system and related apparatus, while the signals to the distribution networks 21 provide the clocking signals coordinating the operation of the component units of the data processing system.

Referring next to Figure 4, a detailed block diagram of the frequency control network 33 is shown. The frequency control network includes a phase locked loop circuit. The output signal from the reference oscillator 31 is applied to a first input terminal of a phase comparator unit 41. The output signal of the phase comparator unit 41 has a voltage level determined by a difference in phase between the two input signals applied to the phase comparator unit. This output signal is applied to the input terminal of a voltage controlled oscillator 42, the amplitude of this input signal determining the frequency of the signal at the output terminal of the voltage controlled oscillator 42. The output signal of the voltage controlled oscillator is applied to a divider circuit 43 that divides the frequency of the output signal of the voltage controlled oscillator by a fixed amount. The output signal of the divider circuit 43 is applied to controllable divider circuit 44. The controllable divider circuit 44 receives control signals and these control signals determine the amount by which the frequency of the signal between the input and the output terminals of the controllable divider circuit is reduced. The controllable divider circuit can be implemented by a count down counter in which the number by which the input frequency is to be divided is determined by a number, (n-1) where n is the divisor, and is entered in the count down counter (controllable divider circuit 44). The output signal of the controllable divider circuit is applied to a second input terminal of the phase comparator unit 41. It will be clear that output signal of the voltage controlled oscillator will have a frequency that is the frequency of the reference oscillator multiplied by the divisor of the divider circuit 43, this quantity then multiplied by the divisor of controllable divider circuit 44. The output signal of divider circuit 43 is applied to the distribution network

21_(xx) for distribution to the components of the data processing unit and to the constant frequency

Referring next to Figure 5, the frequency control network 33 is shown along with the components of the constant frequency clock source 32. According to this embodiment, the output signal of the divider network 43 is applied to the distribution network units 21_(xx). An output signal from one of the distribution network units 21_(xx) is used as the input signal to the controllable divider circuit 44. Count signals, indicative of the count in the controllable divider circuit, are applied to an input terminal of a divide-by-K unit 52, to an input terminal of a divide-by-K/(K-2) unit 53, to an input terminal of a divide-by-K/(K-1) unit 54 and to intervening divider units not explicitly shown in the Figure. The output terminal of the divider unit 51 is coupled to a first input terminal of comparator 56, the output terminal of divider unit 52 is coupled to a first input terminal of comparator 57, the output terminal of divider unit 53 is coupled to a first input terminal of comparator 58 and the output terminal of the divider unit 54 is coupled to a first terminal of comparator circuit 59. The second input terminals of comparator 56, comparator 57, comparator 58 and comparator 59 are coupled to terminals designating the current count in the controllable divider circuit 44. The output terminals of comparator 56, comparator 57, comparator 58, and comparator 59 are each coupled to an input terminal of logic "OR" gate 55.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

The operation of the preferred embodiment can be understood in the following manner. The reference oscillator provides a signal with a known and constant frequency. For example, the reference oscillator can have a frequency of 250 kHz. If the controllable divider circuit 44 is configured to divide the input frequency by n=80, the system clock signal will be established at a frequency of 20 mHz. If, however, the controllable divider circuit 44 is configured to have a value of n=81, then the system clock signals will be provided at a frequency of 20.25 mHz. Thus, by controlling the configuration of the controllable counter, i.e. by controlling the count placed in the count down counter, the frequency of the system clock signals can be varied. When the integer (n-1) is entered in the controllable divider circuit, this value is also entered in the divider circuits 52 through 54. In each divider unit, the value of n is divided by an amount determined by the number K of divider units to result in K approximately equal intervals. (The approximately equal intervals result when the quantity n-1 is not exactly divisible by K.) The value of K determines the amount by which the frequency of signals from the reference oscillator is multiplied to indicate the frequency of the signals from the constant frequency source. For example, if the value of K is four and n=80, then the output of the divider circuit 52 will be 20 and this value will be entered in the comparator circuit 57. When the count in the controllable divider circuit 44, reaches 20, then comparator 57 will provide an output signal to logic "OR" gate 55 and this signal will be applied to the output terminal of the logic "OR" gate. Similarly, comparator 58 will apply a signal to logic "OR" when the count in the controllable divider circuit reaches 40 and comparator circuit 59 will apply a signal to logic "OR" gate 55 when the count reaches 60. Of course, comparator circuit 56 will apply a signal when the count in the controllable divider circuit 44 reaches 0 (80). Thus, it can be seen that the output terminal of logic OR gate 55 will have signals applied thereto that are K times the frequency of the reference oscillator 31. For example, when the frequency of the reference oscillator is 250 kHz and K=4 , the frequency of the constant frequency clock source will be 1 mHz. As described above, when the system clock frequency is not exactly divisible by K, the individual intervals can vary slightly. However, at the end of the K^th interval, the intervals will be synchronized, i.e. no accumulative error will have resulted with the recycling of the controllable divider circuit 44 because the comparator circuit 56 has the same value, i.e. 0, as does the controllable divider circuit. The positioning of the distribution network and the associated time delay is needed to maintain the synchronization of the phase between the constant frequency clock source and the system clock signals. Certain wave-shaping circuits that can be necessary for proper interfacing between components of the clock device are not explicitly shown, being readily identified by one of ordinary skill in the art when the explicitly indicated components have been selected.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the description of the phase-locked loop is not complete and that other elements such as a low pass filter can be incorporated in the loop. It will also be clear that the divider circuit 43 is not necessary for the operation of the invention, but can be incorporated for convenience in the implementation of the timing circuit. The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The sco pe o f the inven ti on is to be limited only by the following claims. From the foregoing description, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. Timing apparatus for use in a data processing unit comprising: a reference oscillator; clock means responsive to said reference oscillator for providing system clock signals having a controllable frequency; and constant frequency means coupled to said clock means for providing constant frequency signals that are in phase with said clock signals.

2. The timing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said clock means includes a phase locked loop circuit.

3. The timing apparatus of claim 2 wherein system clock signals are provided to the data processing unit through distribution networks, a one of said distribution networks being coupled in said phase locked loop.

4. The timing apparatus of claim 3 wherein said constant frequency means includes dividing means for providing an interval having a frequency approximately an integer K times the frequency of said reference oscillator.

5. The timing apparatus of claim 4 wherein said dividing means includes a plurality of dividing circuits and associated comparator circuits for determining said intervals, wherein K is the number of said comparator circuits.

6. The timing apparatus of claim 5 further including an logic "OR" gate, wherein output terminals of said comparator circuits are coupled to input terminals of said logic "OR" gate.

7. The timing apparatus of claim 6 wherein said clock means includes a count down counter, said count down counter responsive to control signals for storing an initial value in said counter.

8. In a data processing system, a method for providing system clock signals having a variable frequency and and for providing constant frequency signals to interval timer or related apparatus comprising the steps of: providing a reference frequency; coupling a phase locked loop circuit to said reference oscillator; coupling a dividing circuit in said phase locked loop circuit, a divisor of said dividing circuit being determined by control signals; and generating a series of signals having at least approximately equal time interval between each of said said series signals determined by a selected counts from said dividing circuit.

9. The method for providing clocking and constant frequency signals of claim 8 further comprising the step of coupling said clock signals to distribution networks associated with each component of said data processing system.

10. The method for providing system clock and constant frequency signals of claim 8 further comprising the step of coupling a one of said distribution networks in said phase locked loop.

11. The method for providing system clock and constant frequency signals of claim 10 wherein said generating step further includes the step of applying said dividing circuit count signals to comparator circuits having predetermined values stored therein.

12. The method of providing system clock and constant frequency signals of claim 11 wherein said applying step further includes the steps of: applying said control signals to a plurality off dividing networks; and applying signals from each of said plurality of dividing networks to an associated comparator circuit.

13. The method of providing system clock and constant frequency signals of claim 12 wherein said generating step includes the step providing that said equal signal intervals are a multiple of an interval determined by said reference frequency.

14. Timing apparatus for use in a data processing system for providing system clock signals having a controllable frequency and for providing signals having a constant frequency for use in an interval timer or related apparatus comprising: an oscillator providing a constant reference frequency output signal; a phase locked loop circuit including: a phase comparator unit receiving said constant frequency output signals at a first input terminal; a voltage controlled oscillator coupled to said phase comparator unit; and a controllable divider circuit coupled to said voltage controlled oscillator, said controllable divider circuit responsive to control signals, said control signals determining a divisor of said controllable divider circuit, an output signal of said controllable divider circuit being coupled to a second input terminal of said phase comparator unit; and a plurality of comparator units receiving a count signal from said controllable divider circuit , each of said comparator units providing an output signal that is a predetermined fraction of a period determined by said oscillator reference frequency, wherein said input signal to the controllable divider circuit provides the system clock signals.

15. The timing apparatus of claim 14 further including distribution networks coupling said system clock signals to each portion of said data processing system, said distribution network producing a preselected delay to each of said portions.

16. The timing apparatus of claim 15 wherein a one of said distribution networks is coupled between said voltage controlled oscillator and said controllable divider circuit.

17. The timing apparatus of claim 16 wherein each of said comparator units includes a divider unit, said divider units receiving said control signals.

18. The timing apparatus of claim 17 wherein said divider units and said control signals determine said constant frequency value.

19. The timing unit of claim 15 wherein said controllable divider circuit includes a count down counter, said control signals entering an initial value in said count down counter.

20. The timing unit of claim 18 wherein output terminals of said comparator units are applied to a logic "OR" element, an output terminal of said logic "OR" element providing a reference signal for said interval timer.